lye

views updated May 23 2018

lye alkalized water or alkaline solution used for washing. OE. lēag = MDu. lōghe (Du. loog), OHG. louga (G. lauge) lye, ON. laug hot bath :- Gmc. *lauʒō, f. *lau- :- IE. *lou- wash, LAVE.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

lye

views updated May 11 2018

lye / lī/ • n. a strongly alkaline solution, esp. of potassium hydroxide, used for washing or cleansing.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

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